Last December I signed a book
contract with Cactus Moon Publishing. The creative director suggested
that I get started marketing my book right away. Yikes! Though I
have been a children's writer for over twenty years, I didn't know much about
marketing a book for kids. The only thing I knew was promoting a book
should be done well before the release date.
Over the Christmas break, I started working on a marketing plan for my upcoming children's book Maggie and the Summer Vacation Show and Tell which will be released this summer. My publisher sent me a helpful marketing guidelines book.
I also studied websites on marketing. Here's one of my favorite sites: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/news/book-promotion/
This is what's been done:
Developed a website (http://www.randilynnmrvos.com)
Joined Linked In
Created an email list
Got featured in writer's newsletters
Invited writers to guest blog
Joined Goodreads
Began commenting on blogs
Wrote how-to articles
Created a media alert letter
Here's what will need to get done:
Create a business cards
Create bookmarks
Create a testimonial page
Create a fan page on Facebook
Work on planning book signings and school visits
Ask to be interviewed by the local paper and local radio host
Marketing a children's book is overwhelming to me. Writing is all I've ever known. But I'm eager to learn and I'm ready for the challenge. If you've
had some experience or have ideas on getting the word out about a book, I
welcome for your suggestions and comments.
